This crowded beach resort on the Adriatic Sea in northeastern Italy is part of a coastal recreation area that stretches 120 km north–south from Porto Garibaldi to Cattolica. The region offers fine sandy beaches, deep-sea fishing, hot springs, mud baths, water sports, good nightlife, and restaurants.
Of all the resorts on the Adriatic Riviera, Rimini's versatility makes it the most popular holiday destination. The town itself counts 131,000 inhabitants. Built in 27 BC, the Arch of Augustus is still the solemn entrance for those reaching Rimini from the Via Flaminia — one of the oldest Roman triumphal arches in the world.
Between the seaside resort and the surrounding hills stretches the city's historic centre. The Palazzi of the Podestà and Arengo, the old fish market, and the Fontana della Pigna are all to be admired in Piazza Cavour. Beyond the piazza, the brick walls of Castel Sismondo — now home to the new Fellini Museum — are a reminder of the long Malatesta dynasty. The Ponte di Tiberio marks the end of the first historic itinerary, leading into the pastel-painted Borgo San Giuliano.
Don't miss the Tempio Malatestiano, a fifteenth-century jewel of Renaissance architecture, the Roman house preserved as the Domus del Chirurgo, and the Museo della Città with works from the fourteenth-century Riminese school.
Rimini is at the same time a busy centre for trade fairs and conventions, culture, and cinema — it was the birthplace of Federico Fellini. Florence, Bologna, and Venice are within a few hours' drive. The Republic of San Marino is just 25 km west of Rimini — plan a half-day excursion there.